Heaters are essential equipment for tropical freshwater and saltwater aquariums. As a general rule, the ratio between heater wattage and aquarium size should be approximately 3 to 5 watts for each gallon. Therefore, a 50-watt heater will provide proper heating for aquariums between 10 to 15 gallons.
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Heaters are essential equipment for tropical freshwater and saltwater aquariums. As a general rule, the ratio between heater wattage and aquarium size should be approximately 3 to 5 watts for each gallon. Therefore, a 50-watt heater will provide proper heating for aquariums between 10 to 15 gallons.

Q&A for Heaters & Chillers Category

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My current heater is wildly inaccurate. One minute the heater is at 74 and a several hours later it reads five degrees or so higher. I need a heater I an rely on for the correct temperature and not the fluctuatring.These are simple tetras, not salt water, but would feel more confortable with a recommendation for a quality heater.

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Answer:

If you have a canister with about 5/8" tubing, you can't beat the Hydor in-line heater for reliability, accuracy, low maintenance, long-life and truly consistent heat throughout the entire tank all the time.

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I know this is late but it sounds to me that your thermometer is wildly inaccurate since most heaters would not raise your temp a full 5 deg F in a mere few hours this would likely take overnight. Try another thermometer. For a freshwater aquarium most tanks should be between at least 75-80 F, 78-82 for discus. Some sources of info state 72-78 but 72 is way too cool for a tropical aquarium fresh or marine.

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Thank you for your question. If you need an answer right away, and don’t wish to wait for another customer to respond, please feel free to contact our Customer Service Department at 1-800-381-7179. You can also email them at CustomerService@DrsFosterSmith.com.

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Thank you for contacting Foster and Smith Aquatics. Please feel free to contact our Customer Service Department at 1-800-381-7179 with any questions. You can also email them at CustomerService@DrsFosterSmith.com. cmc

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Answers

If it functions properly I wouldn't worry about it. In nearly 20 years of aquarium keeping I've never had a heater fail me. I'm currently using an old Ebo Jager 150W heater on my 55 FOWLR that's 15 years old and works like a champ!

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Thank you for your answer. To make sure your electronics are working correctly we would suggest replacing the heaters every 2 to 3 years. They don’t necessary wear out but may not be as accurate as they could be.

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